[Closed] Blur, Zesty or Orange...decisions decisions

simply down to personal preferences and cost?

Can't really go too far wrong with those options. I test rode a 5 and loved it, but bought a zesty because it was equally good and (at the time) something a bit different. Never regreted my decision once - but suspect I'd feel the same had I bought the Orange.

Only 'issue' with Zesty is the BB - never caused me a problem but there are a number of threads on here.

I recently bought a Zesty and love it. Not ridden either of your other options though

the five is proven to be an excellent bike..minimal issues with the frame over the years.
SC are very good other than the sizing....you'd be best to test ride one to see if you prefer the medium or large.
Lapierre has more pivots etc that can go wrong..cost more to put right but that said,ive not seen any needing replacing yet though. I have heard the odd one or two cracking though

It all comes down to whether you can justify the extra for british marque

I'd say for durability the Orange Five would be the best of the bunch (tho you'll no doubt get other opinions on here). I'm on my second Five and have never had any problems with 'em - there's not much to go wrong with 'em really. I've also contacted Orange a few times over the years with non-warranty technical queries, and I have to say they've been very helpful and honest with their advice.

Before getting my current Five, I had a test ride of the latest Zesty. I really liked the Zesty and IMO, it's handling & character were so close to the latest Five that it was really only the durability issue that decided it. After speaking with a couple of people about problems with Lapierre and their UK distributor, I went for the Five.

Not ridden the Blur LT, but see enough 'old' Blurs and other SC's to suggest that the frames are pretty durable.

You'll find loads of opinions on Zestys v's 5s on here. Here's my 2 pennies worth:

5: hyped but will completely deliver the goods. Strong, really versatile (can take 160mm up front and bash guard for Alps etc). Hold their value really well. Only downside is little bit heavier than a Zesty but not by much. Also you may find the sizing a little annoying if you are tall - lots of people seem to be between a 18" and 20". Spec on the lower model isn't up to much, definitely get the Pro version.

Zesty: Heard a few too many issues of them snapping for me to be completely confident if I was heavy but it'd probably be fine for most. (Spoke to guy working at Bike Treks in Ambleside who said they'd had a few come back with cracked swing arms from heavier riders). For the money though they are spot on, bit annoying you don't get a fork with bolt thru until you are into the mid range more pricey models. Graphics are a bit tarty this/next yr too.

Blur: Not ridden a LT2, only the classic (2005 model before LT2 & XC). Great but more maintenance involved - just overhauled a Classic and it wasn't much fun or cheap. Prefer look of 5.

If you do switch bikes now and then, bear in mind the 5 will hold it's value very well compared to a Zesty. SC will be alright too mind.

If you've the money Id get the 5 frame or Pro build. Or completely change your mind and realise how good the Heckler and ST4 is even with 120mm!

+1 Zesty 714. Its carbon and very light weight which is something of a plus when compared to a Orange. Relentless on the down and very easy on the ups a great trail bike with superb geometry. I wanted a do it all bike for trails without the weight penalty to thrash along the trails. I am still amazed on the down hills at how fast it is whilst being utterly stable.

15mm bolt through on front, tracks like a dream with 2.35HR 🙂

What Zesty would you be looking at though?

I bought a 214 and upgraded it but if buying again would get a 514 or even 714, the all-alloy frame is a bit heavier than I would ideally like.

If you've the money Id get the 5 frame or Pro build.

Yep, good advice. My LBS did me a bit of dosh off a Five frame, then I built it up with a mixture of Merlin/CRC discount parts and used/2nd hand stuff. Basically ended up with SE spec for just over £2k, well..er...OK, maybe just over £2300..ish! (cough...don't tell my wife 😉 )

Excellent, really informative - thanks for all that info guys (and gals perhaps..)

I'm 6 ft tall, and have a Genesis Altitude 19 " with 600mm eff. top tube which feels good, and recently picked up a Trek EX9 frame with a virtual tt of 19.5 (actual 18.5) which feels a bit long- 627 eff. tt .

I've heard the Blur is quite short, but not sure about the others. I have compared the geometry of each, but the actual size doesn't always result in the perfect fit - there seems to be something/s more which influence overall fit.

Lots of reasons for the Orange I guess, being British and having good customer service, and great write-ups for UK terrain.

Any views on sizing would also be really useful, overly short high or long for example.

Thanks again

Defo the Five. Nowt to do with being British or hand-built, just the best all-rounder in your list.

Yeah, if you are spending 2200 on a bike, you want more than a cheap rockshox, hubs and gears. The trade price for Orange stuff is high so you're lucky to get much money off, helps it keep a good second hand value though.

Presume you'll be trying them all out though?

Best to if you can, but if not - what sort of riding are you planning to do?

bottlerocket?

If you're 6ft you'll probably be spot on with an 18" Five. It'd be a choice between a Heckler and 5 if it was me and if you want a bike that can take some punishment in the real world I'd go for the 5.

Riding will be in South Wales mostly - normal trail riding and xc, but am looking for a bike with the ability to cope with a bit more as my riding improves.

I will ride each one before taking the leap, but now will be able to make a more informed choice knowing what I know.

the fashion at the mo is the 5.

Amazing, now everyone loves the 5. When I asked about them in August everyone slagged them off.
I got one anyway & am sooo pleased I ignored the 'slaggers'.

and your point blower?

Is it not as good as it's popularity deserves, in your opinion?

Hey there Currymad, I'm 6'1" (34" inside leg..oo-er missus, and all that!) and am running an 18" frame Five with either an 80mm or 70mm stem - depending on what I'm riding. I find the top-tube is spot on with both these stems, tho I find the 80mm with low risers is more XCey.

FWIW, my wife has got a Trek EX8 (mens version) in the 18.5" size - which I 'borrow' on occasion. With the original 100mm stem the Trek we both felt super stretched out, it's now got a 70mm on which is loads better. I had a demo ride of a 19.5 EX9 back in March and remember feeling uncomfortably stretched out - in fairness, the guys at the Trek demo tent said it'd be too big.

Always good to get a demo if you can.

Perhaps consider if you'll be over-biked with a 5, it'll obviously give you loads more confidence to take on tougher trails faster but ask yourself if you actually need the travel. I see people around trail centres on 140mm bikes not because they need them but because apparently that's what a 'trail centre' bike is. A great 120mm bike like an ST4 could be faster overall if you do ride a lot of XC. - Just a thought.

Reason I asked is that the Zesty has a very firm pedalling platform thanks to its suspension design.

This makes it ride faster than you'd expect for it's weight and travel.

Geometry is great and the bike feels really well balanced, easy to drift and catch, jumping feels natural etc.

However when I take mine to the Lakes I find the firm suspension can sometimes make it feel a bit skittish on the rock-strewn trails up there.

This may partly be down to the basic Float R shock with full-time Propedal - so higher models with RP2 or RP23 may feel better.

Also I think they've switched to a higher volume air can in 2011, which may help it get into it's travel quicker and make it feel more plush.

So, erm, that's probably not very helpful actually - but I thought I'd say anyway as I've been thinking about it this week.

Definitely either the 5 or the Blur LT. I have a LT2 (albeit a carbon one) and love it! Older gen VPP Santa Cruzes were pretty high maintenance and needed regular bearings, but the new ones are MUCH better. The bearings are now better suited to side-loads than before, better sealed, grease ports on the lower link bearings, an included grease gun and grease to exploit them, and a lifetime warranty on bearings to boot. I have had mine since last october and have never had a creak, a rattle, or needed to touch it with an allen key. Sizing is a little tricky, so I ended up on a large whereas i'm usually a medium kinda guy, but give one a try if you can and you'll be impressed!
The 5 is also nice. I used to ride a sub-5 quite a bit and the new one is a sight better put together, plus I have an 07 224 which is still going strong, so have nothing but praise for the steeds from Halifax...
Not a fan of Lapierres at all. Pretty much just a mbuk fad brand as far as i'm concerned, and though popular, seem wrought with issues...

sparkingchains - I am hoping to have acouple of bikes..keep the hardtail Altitude or a dedicated 100-120 xc full suuser and the trail/am 140 travel bike.

Greedy I know, but can't help myself!

fattatlasses - cheers for that re.sizing. I have put a 50mm stem on the EX9 and still feel a bit stretched out, which backs up what you say. Will be selling the EX9 once I've decided on the best bike/s combo.

I had my heart set on a 5 Pro, until I wlaked into Twelve50 bikes in frodsham and seen what CUBE have to offer. They did have Zesty's too but putting the hype of Orange aside I thought the [url= http://www.cube.eu/en/fullsuspension/hpa-series/stereo-race/ ]CUBE Stereo Race[/url] delivers more kit for the money. XTR mech, 150 TALAS Fits, maxles front and rear etc for about £300 less.

Been out on it four times now and it doesn't bob under crank load one bit, beautifully built and every third bike I pass isn't one either, can't recommend the bike or Twelve50 bikes enough.

Ah, good stuff, you'll be sorted then.

XTR is a waste of money and you'll and a talas is a reliability issue waiting to happen but I've heard nothing but praise of Cube as a brand.

currymad - I went through the same dilemma last year, I test rode both Blur and Zesty 514, I discounted the 5 purely on looks, I know, I know, but if you going to spend best part of 3k you've got to like looking at it. Anyway, I'd just like to say the the Zesty just made me smile and still does, it's very very fast up and downhill, get some mud x's on this time of year and it's still a very lively bike, the blur didn't leave that much of an impression to be honest, a different day and it may of. No regrets buying the Zesty, the only regret I have is that I don't get to ride it as much as I want to. The 2011 spec 714 is pretty amazing if you can stretch to it.

skidsareforkids - that's interesting as I have a friend in the US who is trying to convince me to get the LT2 Carbon frame! The price in the US with current exchange rate is about 30% less than here and not that much more than a new Orange 5 frame...hence this post !

chakaping - you also said about the Zesty 514 or 714 for better ride quality of carbon. Do you think the extra outlay is worth it, and if a good carbon frame is available for almost the same price as aluminum as explained above, is it a no brainer?

Can i suggest the Chumba VF2? Similar to to the three short listed. £2250 with a good spec. Sorry if you have already ruled it out.

See here for full spec.

[url] http://www.progressive-bikes.co.uk/vf2_build_kits.html [/url]

I had a 09 Five AM in bling build guise and now have a carbon LT. The SC is in a different class.

I have just built the GF a Carbon Meta 5 (she had a LT2 before) and she said it descends as good if not better than the LT2! So might be worth considering?

chakaping - you also said about the Zesty 514 or 714 for better ride quality of carbon.

No, just that the 514 and up are a good deal lighter (and have better shocks).

I don't have enough experience of carbon MTBs to say if they ride any better because of the material - although I suspect there may be some benefits.

oxnop - pleeeease...my head is already exploding with choices and decisions! But good to hear about the Blur LTc.

I'm slowly narrowing it down to the Orange and Blur.

The new Orange Blur and Zesty have tapered head tubes - does anybody think it is worth going for a frame solely for that feature to 'future proof' it, or perhaps pick up a bargain 2010 one with standard steerer?

thanks again for all the advice... it really is a great forum and way to get hands on advice 😀

Orange Five 8)

I test ridden one 2 weeks ago at Afan, brilliant bike on the White's Level trail, it was like sitting on an armchair compare to my steel hardtail.

Currymad... just that really,it is the current favourite at the moment..
cant go wrong with one really,but not what i'd choose personally.

Any reason why you prefer the LT2 over the Heckler. Personally I would think that would be a good comparison to a single pivot bike like a 5. Bargaintastic at 900 quids too.

1) you really don't need 140 for "normal trail riding" a well fettled 120 will do you better.if you like a bit of jumping or heavy rocky decents maybe.
2)there's nothing quite like a VPP bike so try and get a demo bike it's a good idea before splashing tha much cash,
[URL= http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/2410/p1000405q.jp g" target="_blank">http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/2410/p1000405q.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Uploaded with [URL= http://imageshack.us ]ImageShack.us[/URL]

Zesty for me.

Had a Blur before, and they are an acquired taste with the VPP system, I liked it on a bigger DH bike, or riding my Blur in that sort of environment, but for anything else it was very numb & just a bit dull.

The 5 I tried I just couldn't get on with, and its a lot of cash.

I ended up with the Zesty partly because I could get one on a very very good deal, but it actually rode the nicest as well.

Could have gone for a carbon one, but decided not to in the end, again personal preference.

You need to ride them all to make a decision.

You'll make your own mind up, of course, but FWIW I went for a Zesty with alu frame (budget stretched to the max abd carbon etc. out of my league...) and so far it's been brilliant. No issues at all, rides superbly and is far more competent than I am...

What was it they used to day - overpaid, over-biked and over here? No - that was about the yanks so must have been about Santa Cruz. 🙄

When I tested the 2 back to back the Lapierre was the clear winner (514 vs equivalent priced Orange, whatever that was at the time)- just as good on the descents, better on the climbs, better overall spec. But the Lapierres seem to be less good value than they were. Still better than the equivalent Fives IMO, they give solid wins on brakes and wheels and everything else is comparable.

Quite a few of the Five models still have really crap spec choices. Not talking about cheap here or bad value, just inappropriate. Cheap non-spider cassettes on pro 2s, maxle lites in Hope hubs, stuff like that. Skinny cheap rims on expensive hubs. The Lapierres tend to have better thought out specs, it's more in line with what most people would build themselves IMO. Can't tell me anyone with a brain would chose 317s on Pro 2s for a £2800 own build. So that's a black mark for me.

But they were both brilliant, and I can't see anyone regretting buying either.

+ 1 for the Orange 5 bought mine in 08 in there first AM package
never looked back and A1 for Wales and just eats up everything
Simple it maybe but out of my group of riders the only bike to
bring back with no bearing issues.

Have not tried a Blur but the Blur LT would be the one to go
for thats if you can get a test ride hs sold as a frame only.

Not tried the Zesty but is up there with the 5 to a degree

Best get a test ride and have fun

ummm 😀

So -curry finished, back to work!

What I do like is the option with Orange and the Blur, is the option to buy just the frame.

I have acquired some nice bits and pieces, wheels, forks etc.

As I said earlier, a friend from the US is going on about the Blur LT Carbon and when buying from a well known US store for $1899 (£1218 on XE just now)seems quite tempting even taking import duty into account, as they currently retail here for £2499 - ouch! It would seem a good buy, but not British and service etc an unknown for me at least.
Can anybody shed light on Santa Cruz customer service, parts etc, and even if a US frame would be covered over here?

This year I had visions of upgrading my bike from an old gary fisher sugar,.
So visited some of the demo days available at coed brenin and Llandegla.

I tried the Lapierre 714 at cyb and it rode really well, the orange five was solid, but the demo bike i rode had 160mm forks which i though were too long for the xc riding i do.

At llandegla i rode a santa cruz blur lt2 and found it utter rubbish. tyres were awful, round corners was sketchy and wouldnt track in a straight line,

I am a shortie so took a small out and found the top tube too short. and was sitting upright.Also the brake levers and gear levers not set up right. The orange 5 was the winner as well as having a play on a yeti asr5 carbon and alloy and loved them both.

orangefive....nuff said !

currymad....Have you thought about an Alpine 160 ? I can't comment on the Zesty or Blur, but I do own 2010 5 & 160 (both built-up from secondhand frames) The 5 is very good yes, The 160 is outstanding, not just on the downs, but also climbs very well too, even with 170 Lyriks.

fivespot - I just think that for my riding, 140mm travel frame is the maximum I need, so think the Alpine 160 would be just too much bike.
The thing with 2nd hand frames and the saving had, buying top parts is good I think, as long as you know the frame hasn't been really thrashed or is structurally unsound. I guess similar to buying a car..and in the mean time they are getting almost as expensive !!
Cheers anyway

what about this Italian beaut

[img] [/img]

[url= http://mdebikes.com ]MDE bikes[/url]And if you want a single pivot...

Bikes are MDE, The italian equivelant of Orange, except they make a much wider range, hand made in Turin, so notthe cheapest but still cheaoper than Santa cruz despite them being made in Taiwan..
[img] [/img]

Looks good, but I want to stick to well known bikes with lots of real rider reviews, just as what has been given here following my initial call for help.

Cheers

Hey Mr Curry,

Interesting what a few folk have said about sizing for the Five. I'm on my 2nd Five, having snapped my 18inch 06' model last year. I'm 6ft 1in, but with stumpy wee 32in legs, so the new Five's dropped top-tube design was a godsend. I'm now riding a 20in Five. The old one snapped at the top tube, seat tube weld, pretty much because I'm a chunky lad and was running it with a lot of seatpost showing.

Go have a test ride on one, I think you'll love it, but then I do have quite a few Orange's in the garage. 😀 Or, if you live anywhere near Stirling, gimme a shout and you can have mine for the day while I show you my local trails.
B. 🙂

Santa Cruz in the US are actually very helpful if you ever have any queries with anything, as they replied to me on the same day when I once asked them about shock tunes.
Jungle can be good too, and it's nice to know that they offer crash replacements for non-warranty issues with frames.
Also, you can order tools, bearings, hardware, stickers etc direct from the UK Santa Cruz website.

Orange are similarly excellent for all of the same reasons, PLUS they offer factory refurbishments further down the line once the frame starts looking scruffy. I just had my 224 redone by them and it is first rate work with new paint, stickers, bearings and all of the necessary prep done. 8)

i heard that jungle are very good to deal with 🙂

Mr Beagleboy...

Thanks very much for your kind offer and Orange experience - a couple of years ago I would have snapped your hand off as I was living in that lovely city Edinburgh, and was often up around Stirling.
Now in the West country, so a bit far, cheers.

Skidsareforkids - hi, I'm still missing those forks !! That black Blur Carbon of yours looks great, and encouraging to hear that SC and Jungle offer a good service..

The Blur Carbon from the US is really tempting especially at the price of around £1220 - if they both rode similarly good , is not the Blurs lighter stiffer frame a better buy guys?

I shall test the Orange and Blur in the next week and hope to have narrowed it down to one!

I own a Blur LT2 and love it. I'm 6'2" and have a Large. I could not imagine a medium but could be tempted by an xl.

Most important thing: enjoy the selection process!

leystan - thanks, at 6 ft, I am spot on with the large according to their website, and although I haven't ridden one yet, the size felt perfect when sitting on it.

As a matter of interest, what fork etc are you running?

Anyone got a link or pics of all these zestys that have been "snapping", and I mean relevant ones i.e '09 onwards. Have had my 314 for 15 months now and apart from the BB issue its been through all conditions all year and never skipped a beat, only downside has been the frankly atrocious Formula brakes which I swapped for XT's within a couple of months. Gotta admit, loved the comment about them being MBUK fad bikes, STW wisdom at its best.

No prizes for guessing what I'm going to say. Mines been brilliant, but all these are quality bikes that will perform more or less equally well, I just think the Zesty is the best value for money. Fives are really nice but too expensive for me!

Did somebody say that Zestys have been breaking - I can't remember reading that here.

I think the responses have been really positive for these 3 bikes - a lot for Orange but not in a bad way. For me, just because it is popular or 'fashionable' it doesn't mean it is not good. I certainly wouldn't buy a bike just to be different, or dismiss a bike because it's popular (if popular with seasoned riders who recognize quality). Did not MBUK also award the Zesty best tech trail bike?

Anyway, thanks to all for your advice - really helpful, and will update shortly once I have decided, in case it is helpful to anybody else.

Cheers

There's definately been a few broken Zestys, think it was the 2009 model, made a bit worse by the fact that they'd sold them all so warranty replacements were slow. And a couple of the carbon swingarms too. But considering how many of the things that are out there, there weren't that many reports, more than you'd hope but less than some people will have you believe.

If you want to talk reviews, MBR made the Zesty joint bike of the year along with the Five- which is the highest honour MBR can bestow, since they're psychologically unable to give the Five anything less (quote last review- "The brakes don't really work at all and the wheels are far too skinny and weak. Perfect! 10/10!")

Try before you buy. I dont know what riding you do but I am surprised at those suggesting a 160mm forked am bike climbs well? I factored in the weight of the bike as I ride mostly Wales trail centers and Enduros so I went for the lighter bike. Zesty climbs like a 25lbs bike should. 5 tips the scales near 29lbs. No matter how you figure it going up hill with an extra 3 lbs will make you slower. Lighter bikes also accelerate a lot faster on trails.

Pace RC405 If you're considering frame only, better value IMO.

Hmm..Pace RC405 is an interesting suggestion. I used to have one, as well as my 2009 Five. Personally, I could never get that comfortable on the 405, even after trying [i]loads[/i] of different stem/seatpost combos. In the end, I found that I just kept defaulting to the Five.

Only my opinion, but I think the Pace was an awesome climber (with right shock pressure, easily as good as my Anthem X). However, I think the descending capability of the bike was spoilt by its comparatively short front-centre, which just accentuated the steep(ish) head angle. Other thing that surprised me was the weight - it was a decent chunk heavier than my 2010 Five frame. Having said that, I think it rode quite lightly (if that makes sense!), and if you fit the frame, I'm sure you'd find it fun. (oh, just keep an eye on its pivots tho!). Just remebered Curryman has an EX9 - well (again only my opinion), but the EX9 and RC405 are very similar in character - 405 is quicker on climbs than EX, but def not as stiff, or as light, or quite so good on descents (though the latter is fork dependant - DT XMC130.....yak!!). 405 will get more looks in the car park though - if you like that sort of thing 😀

My Pace RC405 comes in at 27-27.5 lbs depending on winter/summer tyre choice, fitted with Fox 140 Float forks, Hope Hoops, Hope Mono Minis, XT drivetrain, RF Deus finishing kit. Very competitive weight compared to an Orange 5 Pro which I also demo'd. Would happily have taken either home but the Pace was better value, especially now Chain Reaction are selling medium 405 frames at £798. A good spec build could be had for around £2000 at that price.

Also tried the Blur for a quick 20 min spin on Whytes Level at Afan (my mate was having a demo). Great downhill but didn't get a chance to do much climbing on it.

The Zesty looks killer value but not tried it. Generally prefer to buy British and also not keen on Lappiere's graphics.

Yeti ASR 5 is also on my "must try" list.

Wow, CRC's price for the 405 is very good. As far as comparative weight goes, the original build on my Five was coming in at 27 to 27.5 lbs, FWIR this was with Pro 2/Stans 355 wheels, Mini brakes, XT drivetrain, Rev team dual air forks, carbon bars. However, as I'd bought the frame with the intention of keeping it as my 'rough ride' bike, I've swapped over to Pro 3 AM/Flow wheels, M4 brakes, fatter tyres, flat pedals, chunky stem - so in its current build, it's probably 29+ lbs (though with the latest tune on the shock, it still feels at least as good as the EX uphill, which I find pleasantly surprising!).

Very pleased with the Pro 3 SP-AM4 wheels btw, really seem to suit the Five.

- Can anybody shed light on Santa Cruz customer service, parts etc, and even if a US frame would be covered over here?

Try giving Stiff bikes a ring, they'll know for sure.

Had my Blur LT2 for 2.5 years and can't fault it. It just makes me smile on anything from miles of fireroad to big rocky descents in the Cairngorms. I like changing stuff generall but the only thing I would consider ATM is a LTc. It's also incredibily robust having been piled up into rocks more times than I would like to admit with no damage.

I reckon a lot of people who may not rate the Blur LT tried the original version rather than the LT2 which is a pretty different bike.

As for maintenance, my pivot bearings have needed nothing more in 2.5 years than a few pumps with the supplied grease gun 3-4 times a year, and a couple of tweaks with an allen key. The lower shock bushing failed a couple of times early on because of some sub standard supply issues (mine was a very early model). No problems now over a year and half. Customer service from my LBS Bothy Bikes and I assume in the background SC UK has been outstanding - can't fault either

The reasons for not considering a 5 when I bought the LT2 was that it was single pivot and IMO just too ugly. Be careful about importing - you will get done for import duty and VAT on top of that and the warranty will probably not be valid. FWIW this is mine

[url= http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1025/5188820289_175a9a69c0_z.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1025/5188820289_175a9a69c0_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/55229898@N08/5188820289/ ]My Blur LT2 Aug 2010[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/55229898@N08/ ]CaptainMainwaring1[/url], on Flickr

I take it you aren't considering a Stumpjumper fsr? The 2011 ones look pretty good and come with 2x10 drivetrain with bash, carbon SRAM cranks etc.
Or the Stumpjumper Evo if you wanted something a bit more 'gnar'.....

Since I bought my 2010 Elite, I think I've only seen about 4 others out and about so for such a Mondeo bike, they seem quite exclusive. Certainly seen more 5's and Santa Cruz's out and about.

They ride really well, up & down and it's way more capable downhill than I am so I am not sure how qualified I am to critique it on it's limits.

I wouldn't rule one out, particularly as you mention customer service. I had an issue with the paint on my alloy frame and they warrantied it without question for the carbon version with the Brain shock. Here's some gratuitous pics:

[IMG] [/IMG]

[IMG] [/IMG]

Zesty or Five.

Ride them both, buy the one that fits/feels better.

That is all.

😀

Nice selection of photos from where Orange do some of their testing with guides who all use Orange for a very good reason - reliability and ability to handle the rough stuff.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlandsian/collections/72157625153713061/

Ride as many as you can...

Ideally I'd have the Santa Cruz and the Orange, but then that would be being greedy.

Ride as many as you can...

Think I will adopt that as my moto, oh were talking about bikes...........

stumpy01 - cheers, that's a great looking bike too, with good reviews and I've heard Specialized have a good warranty too.

I have decided to get just a frame and build it up with goodies of choice 🙂 , and the Stumpy seems to be only in Carbon and even more that the Blur!

I rode a friends Blur today and it felt very good, although the geometry was unusual for me, as quite different from my EX9
( tall and short was my impression) even in size large - I'm 6ft with 32.5 inside leg.

CaptainMainwaring , interesting post thanks.
It does seem a good all round bike, and apparently low maintenance ( big + for me!)
I friend likened the Orange to a Russian cleaning lady - not pretty but useful....apologies to all Russians and cleaning ladies,it's a horrible generalisation but it did make me laugh.
Also, a very good point about buying from abroad, but so tempting with Blur LTc at £1250 ( before taxes etc) but warranty is really valid point.
I will try an Orange over the weekend, and pull the trigger quickly after before more bikes come into the equation...

The Blur LT2 climbs better than the five on technical stuff, the 5 is so much better going down hill,and for me a bike that gives you more confidence, in technical situations, I have a new 5 and I have owned a Heckler and Nomad and test rode several Blurs Lt2's for me the 5 gives the most rewarding ride of them all, the Nomad was also a fantastic bike, which was probably more capable than the 5 but you never felt the same good feeling after the ride, it was too good for your normal trails.
I'm running my 5 with a Float 36rc2 taper fork set to 140mm, and a maxle back end, a solid ride, and so much fun. 🙂

leystan - thanks, at 6 ft, I am spot on with the large according to their website, and although I haven't ridden one yet, the size felt perfect when sitting on it.
As a matter of interest, what fork etc are you running?

I went for the SPX XC spec option (see SC website) +140mm fox float 32 rlc. Happy with it all except stem is a tad too long + the carbon bars feel a bit 'dead' to me - easy to rectify. Beware SC reserve the right to substitute stuff on their spec lists for similar. Not a big deal but when you've agonised/dribbled for ages a diversion from expevtation can be a curve ball. Worth double checking exactly what you're collecting.

PS. I also know soneone who's Zesty rear carbon triangle snapped (whilst it was on loan to a friend!)

Jungle wont touch a US frame, its not their responsibility, if you buy a bike from america then that american dealer is your port of call for a warranty issue and that goes for the shock too, mojo wont want to know if that fails.

Sancho - yes, that is for me the main reason to not buy outside the UK, but the price is so tempting ...resist resist...and I'm sure common sense will prevail.

Leystan - good point but I am going to get just the frame and build it up - I am busy buying fancy bits and bobs for it atm.

does it have to be the most modern version?..scant has a frame for sale..btw I dont know scant

My 5s have been ace, never been in a situation where it has been the weakest link! i think it looks amazing and also goes in my all UK garage nicely. 6'1 and i now have a 20" frame after running an 18 for 3 years. Because its longer it mega stable and i can run a short stem for better control with a good pedalling position.

i bought a 5s and then put most the kit on a 456 frame, then built the 5 up with all the bits I wanted on it. Still running the Rockshox Recons as they performed ok for price to upgrade them/sale value.

Eventually I will do the forks, Revelation u-turn 150s would cover everything the 5 is best at.

I'd say the warranty issues outweigh the savings made from buying in the U.S. and the unknowns over possible import duties could also be an issue.

Give the 5 a demo then make your choice, but buy in the UK if funds allow.

The Orange 5, along with other British designed full susses such as the Rc405, Hemlock etc, are not the prettiest bikes around. Especially compared to the swoopy tubes of the Blur etc. But there are a lot of us on here I imagine that appreciate these simple British designs that just work well and feel right on our trails.

You can't really go wrong with your shortlist, sounds like you're going to have fun with the build, and end up with a great bike. Let us know what you decide.

Paceman